The Church of England’s General Synod has called upon the Government to tackle food poverty and take steps to minimise waste throughout the supply chain.

Members backed a motion brought by the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich outlining ways retailers and Church of England members can attempt to tackle food poverty in Britain.

The motion calls for the Government to consider steps to reduce waste in the food supply chain. It also urges parishes to help lobby retailers on food waste.

The motion also stressed the need for church members to reduce waste in their own homes.

Presenting the motion, the Revd Andrew Dotchin said: “The figures on food waste in our nation are horrible and rehearsing them will not make them any more attractive.”

Although there is no official measure of food poverty in the UK, a recent United Nations survey found that in 2014, an estimated 8.4 million people in the UK were living in households with insufficient food.

The Revd Dotchin said: “We must work not only with shops and the supply chain – and our thanks and support go to retailers who have already made a commitment to reducing food waste – but also work alongside the many charities and community groups who, with us, treasure the world and its people.”

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God of glory,
the end of our searching,
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